Once Again

The film revolves around the subject of Syrian-Lebanese relations, starting from the period of the Syrian military presence in Lebanon, and up until after the Syrian army left, through a love story between a Lebanese woman who came to Damascus to work as a bank manager, and a young Syrian man who works as a communications manager there. The story between them begins with tension, but it quickly turns into a love story, although the tension between them does not completely disappear with falling in love, as the two characters are still living in the past.

Directed by Joud Saeed, Once Again leans on a strong ensemble — Qays Sheikh Najib, Abdellatif Abdelhamid, Pierrette Katrib — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2009.